From “Blank Space” to Shared Space: 4 Ways To Protect Your Assets Before Tying the Knot

By Chris Doherty

Christian Doherty lists and sells more homes than any other agent in the Greater Lowell, Massachusetts market with over 300 homes sold in the past 12 months. Chris is ranked in the top 1% of all agents in the United States.

Taylor and Travis just got engaged! As a Swiftie myself, I couldn’t be more excited. I even went to her concert with friendship bracelets ready to give her, which is actually something I do usually for my clients. I give them a bracelet as a sign of how much I care.

Sadly, I couldn’t get through to Taylor that night, but if she’s listening, here’s the real takeaway: with marriage on the horizon, it’s time to think about real estate and assets.

Why real estate should be part of the conversation. An engagement isn’t just about love. It also means blending lives, homes, and investments. In Taylor’s case, she has multiple properties in New England and around the globe, plus the added complexity of businesses and trademarks. While her portfolio is on another level, the same principle applies to anyone who owns property: marriage is the moment to get everything in order.

1. Prenuptial and property agreements. This is the first thing that needs to happen. It’s not just about Taylor and Travis as individuals, but it’s also about protecting her entities. Think about her businesses, her trademarks, and her albums; they need to keep running no matter what. Setting up a clear agreement from the start makes sure everything continues smoothly.

2. Organizing entities. Next, there’s the matter of LLCs and trusts. If you have properties, financial entities, or businesses, you want them clearly defined in your name alone. In Taylor’s case, her LLCs and trusts need to be crystal clear so there’s no confusion later. That’s the same advice I’d give anyone: make sure your ownership records are properly set.

3. Handling Travis’s properties. For Travis, if he has a primary home, he could sell it. But if he has second homes or investment properties, a smart option for them would be a 1031 exchange. This will let him roll those into new properties he and Taylor could buy together, all while saving on taxes if there’s a gain.

4. Monetizing iconic properties. Because Taylor is such an icon, her properties themselves can be turned into experiences. Just like Graceland, we could have “Taylor Swift Land” where fans visit, pay, and experience a piece of her world. That’s also like a Taylor version of Airbnb! And while most people don’t own iconic properties, anyone can look at their real estate portfolio and ask, “Could this be an Airbnb? Could this property generate income in another way?”

I’m thrilled about Taylor and Travis’s engagement, and I’m even more excited about the opportunities ahead. As passionate Swifties, we’d be honored to help with selling or managing any of their properties.

The truth is, whether you’re Taylor Swift or just someone with a couple of investment homes, the lesson is the same: protect your assets, plan smart, and look for ways to maximize what you own. If you also need real estate advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call me at 978-746-0124 or send an email to chris@dohertyproperties.com. I’m happy to celebrate your wins with you.